Award-winning FWP expands its reach with new Midlands office

FWP, a Lancashire based creative force with a national reputation for architecture, design and masterplanning excellence, is opening a new office in Birmingham as its project list continues to grow.

The practice, which is headquartered in Preston and has existing offices in Manchester and London, is targeting further growth in the Midlands and South West after successfully delivering a number of high-profile projects in both regions. 

FWP has recruited Joe Clarke to head the new Birmingham operation in the role of development manager.  He is pictured here (centre) with Neil Ainsworth, FWP director;  and FWP managing director David Robinson
A native of Birmingham, he has more than 10 years’ experience in project management with an impressive background in museum and culture, heritage, AV and visitor attraction developments.

His CV involves working on The Light and Peace Museum in Abu Dhabi, as well as projects at Tate Modern, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Box museum in Plymouth and RHS Garden Wisley.

FWP managing director David Robinson said: “Opening an office in Birmingham is the next natural step on our growth journey as we see major opportunities across the Midlands and in the South West.

“We’re already involved in several ongoing sports projects in these areas and we believe this is an ideal time for FWP to bring its expertise to the continuing transformation of Birmingham and the wider regeneration of the West Midlands. Our strong track record in delivering heritage projects such as the award-winning Rochdale Town Hall will also be invaluable.

“We’re delighted that Joe is joining our team. He is passionate about Birmingham and brings impressive experience in project management to his new, key role within our organisation.”

Joe said: “Working currently with FWP on a couple of large-scale projects, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for their ethos, technical expertise, and collaborative approach. It is great to now be part of their team.

“With more than 60 years of multidisciplinary experience and an established presence in the North West, FWP brings a proven track record to the West Midlands, across a diverse and impressive portfolio.

“I’m proud to bring both a strong local connection and a genuine passion for Birmingham’s future direction to my new role.

“My experience in delivering high-profile visitor attraction projects complements FWP’s multidisciplinary strengths, creating a well-aligned offering to support the region’s continued growth and ambition.”

FWP’s current portfolio of work in the Midlands and the South West includes the delivery of a new community stadium in Leamington Spa and the creation of a sports, leisure and community centre in Blackbridge, Gloucester. It is also working on a sports project in Nuneaton.

The practice was instrumental in delivering the award-winning Gloucester Motorway Services on the M5. Design and delivery were overseen by FWP as project and cost managers, and the services opened on time and to the £40m budget.

With a team of 45 across key disciplines FWP’s work today covers all aspects of construction, from project and cost management to architecture and masterplanning services. It is truly multi-disciplinary with engineering disciplines under one roof.

Founded in Preston in 1960, FWP is involved in a host of multi-million-pound sports, leisure, health and cultural projects for a range of clients.

FWP’s strategic advice and design expertise has benefited a host of football clubs, including ambitious non-league sides such as AFC Fylde, Hastings United and FC United of Manchester.

It spearheaded the acclaimed regeneration of Championship football club Preston North End’s Deepdale home and designed and delivered EFL club Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium.  It has worked across many sports and the redevelopment of York and Doncaster racecourses, as well as the redevelopment of Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium, are great examples of its multi-disciplinary expertise.

The practice also played a leading role in the multi-award-winning restoration of Rochdale Town Hall as project manager and cost manager, again ensuring this complex heritage project was delivered within budget and on time.

For more details of FWP, its services and its projects, please visit www.fwpgroup.co.uk